In most states, your vehicle must be taken to an inspection station every year or two to make sure it meets government regulations and emissions requirements. Below is a list of terms you should be familiar with the next time you need to get your car tested.

Oil Change - Generally speaking, you should always check your mileage and make sure you have your car or truck's oil replaced every two to three thousand miles. This can be done at a wide variety of auto repair centers. Once mechanics have changed your oil, they will often put a sticker on your windshield to let you know when you will have to return.

Brake Check - This is a test of your car's braking efficiency. Mechanics will look at your brake pads for wear to determine whether they need to be replaced. They will also look to make sure you have enough brake fluid.

Signal Test - A standard car check-up will also include a signal test. Mechanics at the station will look to make sure all of your headlights, lamps, brake lights, and blinkers are in good working order.

Vehicle Emissions Control - The study and practice of reducing harmful auto emissions. During an authorized emissions inspection, also known as a smog check, mechanics will measure the amount of harmful emissions emanating from your vehicle to make sure they do not exceed state and EPA requirements.
Certification - All new cars and trucks must be be manufactured to meet United States Environmental Protection Agency or more stringent California emissions and safety standards.

If you own your own car, then the motor vehicle department in your city or state or your insurance company might have vehicle requirements that your car has to meet to ensure its safety and that it meets vehicle emissions standards. Getting an inspection that shows your car is safe can affect the deductibles on your insurance policy and can affect the claims that you might make in the future. This makes it necessary for you to find an automobile inspection center that has plenty of experience. If your insurance company does not provide you with a list of motor vehicle stations in your area that you can choose from, then you will need to know what questions to ask the inspectors. First, find out how long the automotive station has been in business. Authorized automotive stations with several years of testing experience should be able to provide the services you need. Ask the companies if they have inspectors that can test your car and provide stickers of authorized inspection that you can give you're your insurance company. While you need an automotive center with lots of experience, you should also compare the prices of using the different companies. Ask them if you will have to pay any fees for the service or if they have arrangements with your insurance company so that you do not have to pay out of pocket for the safety tests that you have to get to make sure that your car meets the insurance company's standards.